Scholar-in-Residence

View from Jerusalem – Past, Present, and Future with Dr. Stephen Daniel Arnoff

As the leader of a thriving center for diaspora Jews and young Israelis in the heart of Jerusalem, Dr. Stephen Daniel Arnoff will offer three reflections on Jewish belonging and purpose at the crossroads of sacred tradition, personal identity, and the challenges and opportunities of uncertain times for Israel and the Jewish people.

Friday Night Services
The Choice: Choosing Jewish Identity Before It Chooses Us

Shabbat Sermon
The Pain: Living Through and After October 7

Lunch & Learn
The Hope: How Young Israelis Offer Hope for the Future

For those who are unable to attend in person, please join us for services via Live Stream.

Rabbi Abraham said, “I’m absolutely thrilled that Dr. Stephen Arnoff will be joining us at Beth El. His unique ability to weave together Jewish text, modern culture, and spiritual imagination makes him one of the most compelling Jewish thinkers of our time. Few people can speak so insightfully about both Bob Dylan and the Book of Genesis — and remind us that Jewish creativity and meaning are alive and well in Jerusalem and beyond.”

Dr. Stephen Daniel Arnoff is Chief Executive Officer of the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, a leading hub for Jewish learning and culture in Israel. He is the founder of Zamru, the Center’s flagship musical and cultural initiative, and brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience in premier educational and cultural institutions, including the 92nd Street Y, the 14th Street Y, Shalem College, and the JCC Association of North America. Stephen earned his doctorate in Midrash and Scriptural Interpretation from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America as a Wexner Graduate Fellow. A recognized expert at the intersection of religion, spirituality, community, and culture, he teaches, lectures, and consults internationally. His professional fellowships include the Mandel Jerusalem Fellowship and a Tikvah Fellowship at the NYU School of Law. He has also played a significant role in Jewish cultural innovation and governance, founding LABA at the 14th Street Y, which has grown into a global network of cutting-edge artist residencies, serving as Chair of the Board of Jerusalem Culture Unlimited (2017–2024) supporting more than 50 emerging cultural organizations across diverse communities in addition being one of the Executive Mentors of CANVAS, North America’s largest grant-maker for Jewish arts and culture. Stephen is the author of About Man and God and Law: The Spiritual Wisdom of Bob Dylan (2022), based on his popular podcast, which was hailed as “a revelation.” His writing has appeared in the Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post, Forward, HuffPost, and other outlets, earning him the Rockower Prize for Jewish Journalism. His essays also appear in volumes on Jewish communal life, Bruce Springsteen, and contemporary spirituality. Stephen is currently completing a spiritual memoir, has proudly served in the IDF, and is the father of four children, two of whom were married this year.